Coming soon on June 2025

Coffee

Colombian coffee is internationally renowned for its exceptional quality, diverse flavor profiles, and deep cultural significance. As the world’s third-largest coffee exporter, Colombia plays a central role in the global supply of high-quality Arabica beans. The investment note for Colombia’s coffee sector to be presented during the HiH Investment Forum 2025 proposes a comprehensive strategy to strengthen the coffee value chain and agritourism in the Department of Cauca, one of the country’s most emblematic regions for high-quality Arabica coffee. The project targets 36.000 small-scale producers across 33 municipalities, aiming to improve productivity by renewing 12.000 hectares of aging plantations using agroforestry systems. Cauca's coffee is internationally recognized and holds a Denomination of Origin, yet the sector faces structural challenges including low yields, limited value addition, and restricted access to premium markets.

To address these gaps, the initiative includes investments in post-harvest infrastructure methods and strengthening producer associations. It also focuses on market development through auctions, branding, and participation in international fairs. As a complementary strategy, the project supports the development of agritourism by promoting five coffee tourism routes, building hospitality infrastructure, and training local communities, especially youth and women, to generate alternative income streams.

The project requires a total investment of USD 20.1 million, with an expected Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 29%.  Beyond its economic returns, the project will contribute to rural inclusion and peacebuilding in a territory deeply affected by conflict. It is expected to benefit 36.000 families directly and 144.000 people indirectly, while capturing 230.400 tCO₂e/year through climate-smart practices. This initiative positions Cauca as a leader in sustainable specialty coffee and offers a high-impact opportunity for investors aligned with environmental and social goals.

Cacao

Colombian cocoa is recognized globally for its fine flavor and aroma, with over 95% of national production classified as fine-flavor cocoa, a distinction held by only a small percentage of global producers. The investment note for Colombia’s cocoa sector to be presented during the HiH Investment Forum 2025 outlines a transformative strategy to position the Department of Huila as a national leader in sustainable, zero-deforestation cocoa production. The initiative aims to increase cacao productivity by renewing 1,800 hectares and planting 500 new hectares with intra-predial irrigation. It will directly benefit 4.000 smallholder families across eight prioritized municipalities, strengthening rural livelihoods in a region already recognized for its environmental leadership and compliance with EU traceability and cadmium standards.

Central to the proposal is the development of a socio-business and circular economy model that includes the installation of three modern cocoa processing plants. These facilities will produce a range of value-added products including cocoa butter, powder and cacao-based beverages, targeting both domestic and export markets. The plan also integrates scientific and agritourism initiatives by upgrading three cocoa farms into tourism hubs, enhancing community-based services and creating new income opportunities, especially for youth and women. These actions are supported by targeted training, organizational strengthening, and marketing strategies to position Huila’s cocoa as a premium product.

The total required investment is USD 22.8 million, with a projected IRR of 45%. The project will generate significant environmental co-benefits, including an estimated carbon capture of 46.690 tCO₂e/year, and will indirectly benefit 16.000 additional producers across the value chain. By fostering innovation, improving post-harvest infrastructure, and promoting inclusive, climate-smart value chains, this initiative represents a high-impact opportunity to drive rural transformation and sustainable economic development in southern Colombia.